Desoto County Jail – Hernando, MS

Desoto County Jail is in DeSoto County, Mississippi and is the jail for that county. Are you looking for somebody at Desoto County Jail? This guide will tell you about everything one might want to know about Desoto County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Desoto County Jail. Find mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. DeSoto County court information. And more…

The thought of going to jail is a scary and stressful thought, not only for whoever gets locked up, but also their family and friends. The purpose of this guide is to offer information and advice you need to make helping someone get out of jail a lot easier. If you have questions, please feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and any comments or tips that would be beneficial to others would be welcome.

Do you have a family member or friend that has gone to jail and don’t know how to contact them?

Has someone who’s been arrested and you need to find out where they are?

To look up who’s in jail at Desoto County Jail you will have to go to their web site and perform an inmate search.

The Desoto County Jail Inmate Roster is a list of people currently in custody, including status, bail amount, and visiting schedule. You can also find the same information for anyone booked or released in the past 24 hours. Prisoners are listed alphabetically by their last name. You’ll be able to find their inmate information more quickly if you’ve got their name, birth date, or inmate ID.

If the person you are looking for is locked up at a different jail you should check the other Mississippi county jails in our Mississippi County Jail Guide: Mississippi Jails

A mugshot, or jail intake photo, is a picture taken by the police when you get booked into jail. They take one frontal photo and a side photo. Your name and jail booking number will be in the mugshot, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots are on the Desoto County Jail website, or you can see them in person at the Desoto County Jail. When viewing online you will need to enter the person’s first and last name, and the arrest date, if you have one.

Trying to figure out how to have your mugshot erased from the Desoto County Jail site? This may not be possible, since the mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot taken down you will need to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. Basically, this means that your arrest record will be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Unfortunately, this happens very rarely.

To learn more about getting your mugshot removed, the many different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

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Naturally, if you are arrested and put in jail, your only thought is about when you get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail amount will be determined by the magistrate. In cases where no bail is set this might mean that you will either be released, or you have to stay in jail until your trial.

If you are released you must agree to go to your court date, and in the meantime you are not permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates at Desoto County Jail are given early release in exchange for good behavior when they respect the rules and conduct themselves properly while incarcerated.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to do work release. You will be required to return to the jail every day when you’re finished with work, or you might have the chance to move to a halfway house when you are not working.

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay all depends on the crime you’ve been charged with. You or someone you know will have to post ten percent of the total that was set so you are able to get out of jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever paid your bail will not get their money back.

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail have to call the Desoto County Jail or the County Courthouse. If know the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know how much their bail is. You can also find out how much their bail is online.

Posting bail to get out of jail is an unpleasant situation, but usually, its very simple to do. First, you need to find out if they have a “Cash Bond Only” situation. If it is, you can’t get a bail bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t take a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will be discharged. If this person doesn’t violate any of the terms of their release, you’ll get the bail money back.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just don’t have the money, you might need to use a bail bondsman. They will usually charge you a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the bail amount, and in most cases have a minimum of $100. This money will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If bail is very large, the bail bondsman will in most cases use assets as collateral for the bond in addition to whatever their charges are.

To talk to a local bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a Bail Bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, post a comment below and tell about it, and let us know how it worked out.

Click here to share your story

• Time Off For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Get Out For Time Served
• Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
• Released On House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• They’ll put you in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• First, must answer some basic questions, such as what is your full name, home address, date of birth and an emergency contact person.
• You will also be asked about your medical and mental history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will be fingerprinted.
• You will have a front and profile photo taken for your mugshot.
• Any property you have will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• You will get to make a telephone call to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If they expect that you will make bail and be released quickly, you might get to keep wearing street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will be given a jail uniform – the jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through the jail intake procedure? If you have, please tell us how it happened. How long did you have to wait? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any tips that could help other people make it through jail intake?

Speak Your Mind

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to go home after you get discharged. Getting discharged will take from 10 minutes to all day. So, the faster you can pay your bail, the sooner you can get released from jail. Also, it might depend on whether you’ve got a cash bond amount or if a magistrate still needs to figure out the bail amount. For minor charges, you will get booked and released on your own recognizance. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a release date, plan to get released in the morning.

If the sheriff has a, or if you need to begin your jail sentence, you really should follow the law and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and let them know that you think they might have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if there is one, they will ask that you surrender yourself and you will be taken into custody. If you have a jail sentence to serve, go to the jail at the exact time and date that the sentence order or court paperwork states. Be very careful that you are not late to report. Only bring things that are allowed with you, such as your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the copy of the sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list the name and date of birth of each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s names will be entered in the log for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor has to provide proof of identification. Anyone showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be allowed to visit the inmate.
The Desoto County Jail visitation procedures are always changing, so make sure that you check the official site before go to the jail to visit an inmate.

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Jail phone calls are typically more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s phone privileges might get cut back or eliminated completely.

The Desoto County Jail phone number is: 662-429-1474

All mail must be mailed using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other type of delivery. You must write the name, inmate ID, and the address of the jail on the envelope. Do not mail a box, envelope with padding or insulation, plastic or paper bag, or an envelope containing metal parts. All mail received by the jail gets opened and read and inspected by the jail staff, and will be sent back to the person who mailed it if they decide it is inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to someone incarcerated at Desoto County Jail:

Desoto County Jail
311 West South Street
Hernando, MS 38632

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Desoto County Jail
311 West South Street
Hernando, MS 38632

The mail policy at Desoto County Jail can change, so visit the official website before send a letter to someone in jail there.

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When you get arrested, you should know you still have rights, and an important one is that you have the right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so it is a good idea to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer when you talk to them. You may be asking yourself ‘I don’t have to get a lawyer – I can just represent myself’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, protect your interests and guide you through the complicated legal system. The faster you get an attorney working on your situation, the better your chances.

For more information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, click here: Find a Lawyer

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you will be given a public defender for a lawyer. In addition, the Public Defender Office is staffed by private investigators, forensics experts and social case workers. You will be reassured to know that Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are members of the Mississippi State Bar and are fully licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

All court records are a matter of public record. They include a case file containing a docket sheet and all of the documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You, and anyone else, can access court records via the online service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office.

A Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath during court cases, and also read the verdict when the jury makes their final decision. All court records associated with your case are kept and available to you at DeSoto County Clerk of Court office.

Court fees are the charges and fees associated with your case, for example filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The DeSoto County court magistrate is the judge that presides on your court case. Magistrates do several different things, which include setting bail, issuing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court hearings and detention proceedings.

A pre-sentencing report is completed with information about your background and details of the arrestee’s life and history, which the magistrate judge will review and take into consideration when deciding on the sentence. Information will be requested from the defendant, his or her family members, and if necessary the victim of the crime. Don’t forget you are allowed to ask to see a copy of the report before sentencing, so you have the opportunity to correct any inaccurate information.

After being convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. There are several different options for sentencing, which include community service and probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on how serious your crime was, you may be locked up immediately, or you might be given a date that you are supposed to turn yourself into jail to serve your term.

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Do you need to find out if some you know is incarcerated, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should go to the jail website and do an inmate search, and do a search using:

• The inmate’s name.
• Date of birth.
• Approximate booking date.
• or jail ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check the court records on the DeSoto County court website or call the court directly. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask one of the officers. Bear in mind that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you should be prepared to get taken into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and possibly an arrest date, contact the jail, on the phone, in person, or check online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are freely available.

Civil processes are when you get served with papers, which can be warrants. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

All registered sex offenders are required to be listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but bear in mind that you will not see the street address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. They include a case file that contains a court docket and all of the filings and documents filed in the case. You can access the court records on their website, or at Clerk of Court office where the case was filed.

Each and every state maintains a record of people’s criminal background. These state databases are all connected so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. You are able to go to the DeSoto County Courthouse and check in person or you can check the website. It helps to know the county, and if it was in a different state, you might have to pay a fee for a more comprehensive search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you can find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for these crimes:

• DWI or DUI.
• Drug Possession.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes including assault, battery and murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, you generally will not find if someone had:

• Speeding tickets.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Traffic accidents.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this information, you have to do a driving history search.

Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? Was it an easy process? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the DeSoto County courthouse? Was the information you received correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your account could help other people.

Click here to share your story

Most Wanted

On a Federal level, the FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In DeSoto County, the DeSoto County Sheriff has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of serving a jail sentence in Desoto County Jail is very scary, eventually you will become accustomed to the daily routine there. Inmates get an alarm to wake up each morning at 6:00AM, and next you’ll have roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. After breakfast, you will be required to work in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Desoto County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Desoto County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send funds to jail inmates could change, so you should review the official Desoto County Jail site before you send any money.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Desoto County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Desoto County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Desoto County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to comment


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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
• Victims have the right to notification.
• Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
• Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• Victims have the right to restitution.
• Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
• Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to leave a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate in Desoto County Jail? Do you know someone that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate there?

If you have, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write about your experience so that other people can learn what to expect.

Things you can include in the review:

• Conditions in Desoto County Jail.
• Jail facility and layout
• Jail staff and Guards
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitors
• The other inmates – what are they like?
• Safety
• Gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Click here to write a review

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

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Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you make friends in jail? Are you trying to get in touch with a friend from jail? Say hello here, just leave a message below.

Send a message to someone incarcerated at Desoto County Jail


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